Coote had previously denied the allegation in September
Former Premier League referee David Coote has pleaded guilty to making an indecent image of a child during a hearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday.
The 43-year-old admitted to the charge in connection with a category A video, the most serious classification under UK law, which was discovered by police in February.
During the brief hearing Coote spoke only to confirm his identity and enter his plea. He was then granted conditional bail and is due to be sentenced on 11 December.
The charge of “making an indecent image” under UK law typically refers to downloading, saving or sharing illegal material.
Coote had previously denied the allegation when he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court in September.
The former referee was dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) last year after a video surfaced online showing him making derogatory comments about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
Coote officiated in the Premier League for six years and was one of the top-flight’s regular referees until his dismissal.
